Journeys in Japan 乗鞍岳

Mt. Norikuradake lies 200 kilometers west of Tokyo, straddling the border of Nagano and Gifu Prefectures. Of all Japan's 3,000-meter-plus mountains, it is one of the easiest to reach. And its relatively gentle slope makes it a popular destination for alpinists of all levels. On this episode of Journeys in Japan, Liivi Selde discovers the pleasure of snowshoe trekking from Norikura Kogen, at the foot of the mountain. She stays at a secluded hot spring resort, Shirahone Onsen, relaxes in an open-air bath with views of the snow and enjoys the local cuisine.